Snowfall warning continues, brace for even more through the weekend

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – If you thought Friday was bad when it comes to the snow, get ready for the weekend.

Environment Canada is continuing a snowfall warning for all of Metro Vancouver, saying as much as 20 centimetres would fall by the end of the day on Friday and an additional 10 centimetres could fall by Saturday morning.

“An unsettled air mass will move over the region tonight resulting in periods of snow. Snowfall amounts will be variable due to embedded heavier flurries,” says the agency in a statement.

Here is an actual live shot outside our studios at Ash St. and 8th Ave. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/2slv6Qktdd

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NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate says on Saturday there will be a slight chance of early morning showers or flurries, then drier and clear with some sunny breaks by the afternoon. It will be windy with a high of 4 degrees.

Sunday will bring periods of mixed rain and snow. Lacate adds wet snow may accumulate over higher terrain and inland. It will be windy again with a low of -1 and a high of 3 degrees.

As for the extended outlook, it will be cool in the long range as the arctic air begins to retreat.

The snowfall warning is also in effect for the Sea to Sky with an additional 10 centimetres expected by Saturday morning.

Cities prep for dicey conditions

Crews from Vancouver to Surrey to the Tri-Cities have been pretty busy since Thursday, given the dipping temperatures and rough road conditions.

RELATED: Don’t call 911 with silly snow-related concerns

City of Surrey engineer Ray Kerr says trucks are ready. “Plows, trucks with sanders – we’re going to have about 40 out on the road that will run straight through into the weekend.”

Vancouver has been out for the past week salting and brining.

The city also bought vehicles that give them better access to some neighbourhood laneways for garbage and green bin collection. It’s also asking people to consider volunteering for the Snow Angel program to help people who can’t shovel their property.

Remember, you do have to clear the sidewalk in front of your business or home, the following morning after a fresh snowfall. In Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Richmond that clearing of snow must happen by 10 a.m., while in North Vancouver and Surrey the bylaw reads “as soon as possible.”

PHOTO GALLERY: SNOWFALL ACROSS THE LOWER MAINLAND

ROADS

Problems have been piling up in our traffic centre since the snow started.

Listen live for NEWS 1130 Traffic and weather together on the ones.

Environment Canada’s warning includes an advisory for drivers:

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

The province is warning drivers temporary lane closures may be necessary on both the Alex Fraser and Port Mann Bridges until this weather system shifts.

Drive BC has a list of current conditions on major roadways.

TRANSIT

TransLink says people should bundle up and expect delays.

Buses on many routes are running late due to road conditions. Snow socks have been installed on the buses that serve the SFU bus loop.

There are no reported issues with the SeaBus. The West Coast Express is running normally and the HandyDART is only operating essential service only for renal dialysis/cancer treatment appointments only.

AIRPORTS (YVR, YXX)

Check your flight status before heading to the terminal here.

Check your Abbotsford Airport flight status here.

POWER OUTAGES

You can check out the latest list of outages here.

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